Strong Falls

Strong Falls - Main Falls View

Just a short drive upstream from McClintock Falls on the Peshtigo River is another amazing waterfall called Strong Falls. Access is extremely easy via Goodman Park – drive up the gravel entrance road, park in one of several small parking lots, and walk through the grass park to the falls. If you are interested in … Read more

McClintock Falls

McClintock Falls - Views Over the Peshtigo River

Last night at Gov. Thompson SP was colder & wetter than expected, had to sleep in the car for a bit to stay warm.  On the bright side I was wide awake at sunrise and ready for adventure.  First stop was McClintock Park in Marinette County in search of McClintock Falls. Several large wooden arch foot … Read more

Governor Thompson State Park

Governor Thompson State Park – Woods Lake

Northern Wisconsin fall colors were calling my name.  It has been too long since my last camping trip and I aimed to remedy that.  Aided by a long 3-day weekend I packed the car and headed for the forests.  Quick pitstop on the way at Titletown Brewing Company in Green Bay for an elk burger … Read more

Dripping Springs Natural Area

Dripping Springs Natural Area – Trail into the Organ Mountains

Last Day in New Mexico for this trip.  9/22 is National Public Lands Day meaning it was time to get outside and stretch my legs.  No better place than the Organ Mountains right in Las Cruces just miles from the house. My mom Sue wanted to see Dripping Springs and hit the trails with me.  … Read more

Sitting Bull Falls

Sitting Bull Falls - Main Falls

Climbed out from Carlsbad Caverns with enough daylight left for long-shot destinations.  Where am I headed next?  Upwards into the mountains a bit in search of places less traveled.  Clouds were getting moody and threatening rain – not much fell, but the backdrop they provided was fantastic. Sitting Bull Falls If you follow this blog, … Read more

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Carlsbad Caverns National Park - Views in the Big Room

After a quick stop in Roswell I continued down the road to Carlsbad, New Mexico.  Couldn’t find any good camping but was able to score a surprisingly affordable AirBnB.  Word to the wise – DO NOT rely on getting any cheap accommodations here, it’s oil country and they price gouge for everything!  After driving all … Read more

Rock Island State Park – Astrophotography

Rock Island State Park - Astrophotography

Took a short “nap” after sunset and woke again around 11:30pm.  Hiked back to the area north of the boathouse for astro photos.  Developing these has taught me some interesting lessons for 2019 but wish I had more chances to play last year.  Unfortunately this is the single best image from about 1-2 hours of … Read more

Rock Island State Park – Part 1

Rock Island State Park - Taking the Karfi ferry

Breakfast on Washington Island was over.  I packed my backpack with enough gear for one night and took a ferry to Rock Island State Park at the farthest end of the Door Peninsula before it changes over to the UP.  I’m splitting this into several posts because I took tons of pictures – stay tuned … Read more

Ellison Bluff County Park

Ellison Bluff County Park - Staircase leading down to cliff's edge

Had a few hours until dark after setting up camp at Newport State Park and decided to head back into town & check out the area.  While driving back down Hwy 42 I saw signs for Ellison Bluff County Park and noticed it was located off the western coast – directly where the sun was … Read more

Newport State Park

Newport State Park - Sunrise over Europe Bay

Two days of driving, camping and hiking have brought me from the farthest western point in Wisconsin to the farthest eastern point.  Home for tonight is Newport State Park in the Door Peninsula.  Now why in the world would I make such a stupid drive rather than staying in one spot?  Well, the new moon … Read more